Wine Cooler Buying Guide

Wine Coolers Buying Guide

Purchasing a Wine Cooler


Wine Cooler

When choosing a wine cooler, consider these practical points:

  • Ensure the wine cooler fits your available space. Not all models are suitable for under-counter installation, so check the specifications.
  • Pick a cooler that suits your collection. Single-zone coolers are ideal for one type of wine, while multi-zone coolers cater to varied selections.
  • Measure doorways and hallways in advance to avoid delivery issues. Also, confirm the door hinge orientation (left or right).
  • Bottle capacities are based on standard 750ml Bordeaux bottles, so adjust expectations accordingly.

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Elements of Wine Coolers

The Value of Wine Coolers

Understanding the Value of Wine Coolers

Wine coolers create optimal storage conditions by addressing these environmental factors:

  • Maintains a stable temperature, crucial for proper wine ageing, and prevents flavour spoilage.
  • Preserves humidity levels (50%-80%) to protect corks from drying and wine from oxidising.
  • Reduces vibrations, ensuring wine matures naturally without premature ageing.

Storage Options

Storage

Wine coolers offer various shelving and storage features. Match the cooler to your collection size, but consider larger models for future growth:

  • Entry-level models often have fixed shelves for horizontal bottle stacking. Adjustable shelves offer greater flexibility.
  • Sliding shelves provide easier access but may reduce overall storage capacity.
  • For beginners, a capacity of 30-40 bottles is sufficient. Serious collectors might prefer 100-150 bottles to accommodate cases.

Installing Your Wine Cooler

Where to Install Your Wine Cooler

The location of your wine cooler impacts its efficiency. Keep these tips in mind:

  • Keep the cooler out of direct sunlight. UV light alters tannins and wine flavour. Opt for UV-resistant doors.
  • Place the cooler in a stable-temperature area to avoid external temperature fluctuations affecting performance.
  • Allow 25-50mm clearance around the fridge for proper ventilation and optimal performance.

Additional Features

Features to Look Out For

Additional features can enhance usability and flexibility. Look for these options:

  • Touch controls and LCD displays make temperature adjustments easy and show current conditions.
  • Multi-zone coolers are ideal for storing different wine types at their specific temperatures.
  • Display shelves let you showcase prized bottles for easy viewing and admiration.